Conditions:We have received countless calls as to the steelhead movement into Walnut and Elk Creeks. Current water and ambient temperatures have moved some fish into the tribs, however typically in these conditions they seem to be little more than "exploratory runs" but a good run looks imminent. As such, the numbers in the tribs can vary day to day. The Walnut channel seems to be holding a fair number of fish as of this writing as evidenced by the number caught this past weekend. A fair crowd was lined up along the wall through out the weekend. A number of limits were observed at the Walnut Creek and Elk Creek Accesses. Most fish were caught between sunset and sunrise with activity slowing around 7:00 am or so. Although water levels are good, conditions are clear in most areas making daytime steelhead fishing difficult, but not impossible. Anglers were also doing fair to good at the mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs along the lakeshore and angler reports indicate that some fish are holding in the "mud hole" at the mouth of Elk Creek. For now, there are steelhead to be had, close to the mouths with upstream movement will be pending a little more rain and cool temperatures. Water temperatures in the tribs are still rather warm and warm forecasts over the next week may slow the activity a bit.

Anglers targeting perch still have plenty of good fishing remaining as long as the wind and waves cooperate. Perch are still schooling in and around 60' of water due north of Walnut Creek and off the lighthouse at Presque Isle. Walleye have begun to scatter, although there are still good numbers to be caught once they are located. Current lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 68 degrees. Current west side tributary conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were low and clear, but very fishable, with some flow.

Law Enforcement:With the overlap of boaters and shore anglers, crowds at Walnut will be getting large, especially along the Wall. Anglers are again reminded that the boaters coming in and out of the channel have the absolute right of way. Wall anglers must realize that with the wind and waves, the channel gets very shallow and often times boaters have to "hug the wall" to stay in navigable water. Fishing line can do costly damage to a boat's out drive. Officers will be on the lookout for anglers not reeling their lines in to avoid boat traffic. Boaters having problems with angler lines should inform personnel at the Walnut Creek Access Area Office of any specific incidents and should not attempt to take these situations into their own hands. Boaters are asked to sound their horns or whistles when entering or exiting the Walnut channel as a courtesy to the wall anglers.

Pennsylvania Steelhead Association Meeting Reminder:The club will be holding their annual Big Run Banquet on Saturday, September 29th. Tickets can be requested electronically by emailing psa@pasteelhead.org or you can get them at Poor Richards East or West stores, Folly's End Camp Grounds and Fish USA (ask for Brian). This is a huge event is a must attend event for the avid steelhead angler with great food, prizes, raffles, demonstrations and more. It's a great way to start the steelhead season and share common enthusiasm for the great fishery that the Erie area offers. Don't miss it!

SONS Meeting: The SONS of Lake Erie will have their regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 24th, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moniuszko Club, 1209 Reed Street, Erie, PA. The public is welcome to attend.

Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Mostly clear in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph...becoming north in the afternoon.

Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s. Northeast winds around 5 mph...becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.